Taiwan, 1 week later
How I'm feeling so far
It was last Saturday, when I packed my bags and left my home, my home country Slovenia and my native continent Europe to move to the other side of the world: To Taiwan. Even though I am an experienced traveler and even though I've lived in Asian countries for a year before (including Taiwan), it's like none of this really matters these days. Leaving the place where you're one of them, where you speak their language is very different from being the exact opposite of that. I'm a foreigner and that's obvious everywhere I go. Maybe the biggest challenge for me is the change of roles I play in the past days: From being the son, the brother, the friend, I've become the boyfriend, the foreigner, the English speaker... And I will need some time to feel comfortable being the new me. Interestingly, I don't have the same issues I had last year, when I came here for the first time. I remember being annoyed by the scooters and the crazy traffic in general, the masses of people, the staring... This time I feel I have some inner struggles that are not caused by the new environment, they're rather amplified by it. It's a big step for me and it's a lot to digest in a very short time. And on top of it, I just got sick. I have a runny nose and a sore throat. It's raining almost nonstop for the past week and all this has taken its toll on me and my body. I hope I recover soon and strengthen up. I have to.
13 KAFKAESQUE COMMENTS:
Awww, Nino! Keep your chin up! You are right, you have to look deep within to help you get through this transition. Growth hurts but it is what is happening to you now as you go through this incredible change. So many of my immigrant family members when they first arrived in the USA, were so wracked with homesickness and grief that they were desperate to go back. But after some time, they managed to accept their new life. You will too, in time.
And your body getting sick, is probably a reflection of your emotional and mental state right now too. Be kind to yourself and take care of you!
February 20, 2011 2:25 AM
actionjojo is so right, MKL! It's still a very short time and adjusting takes time, much more time...Last time you knew you may go back home any time; now you know you hope to make a new life for you in Taiwan. Your determination and perseverance may help. I wish you well!
February 20, 2011 3:26 AM
Omigosh. props to you for being so brave and going for a change of home and environment when you're the odd man out.
You see you cannot blame the locals. That's every Asian citizen's reaction when there's a foreigner, especially when they're Caucasian. It happens here too in Philippines. I know that it's impolite to stare so I TRY MY BEST not to stare and not make them feel uncomfy.
Don't worry, you'll get used to it, they'll get used to it. GOD BLESS ON THE NEW YOU and YOUR NEW LIFE.
February 20, 2011 10:39 AM
Dear my lovely brother, you'll be alright. Wishing you all the best in Taiwan.
Best regards,
Stef. :)
February 20, 2011 1:01 PM
Hope you get better soon babes. Chin up...the storm will soon pass
February 20, 2011 4:24 PM
GEt well soon Bro! I told you not to look at too many Taiwanese sexy girl, you'll get nose bleed later.
running nose is just the beginning hahahahahahah
you're awesome bro! you get to stay whenever you want :D envy you.
Wait till I get my first million. I'll do what you do.
February 20, 2011 8:05 PM
wherever I mean :D
February 20, 2011 8:06 PM
Transition is never easy, and when it involves changing the culture you live in it is especially difficult. I think soon you will no longer notice that people are staring. I have been on the receiving end of being stared at in China, Korea, and Thailand and know how uncomfortable it feels. Hang in there - you no doubt still have some jet lag. Get well soon!
February 20, 2011 10:29 PM
MKL,
The first time, I came to the U.S., I became very ill for three days. I was in bed and could not eat anything. I think my stress shot up more than my body could handle because of my anxiety and the difference in temperatures, water, and foods. I hope the sun will shine soon.
About being stared at, what do you think of this idea? Go up to the person or group of people and hand each person your business card with your blog address. I think your readership will rise, and at the same time, you have opportunities to practice speaking Mandarin.
February 21, 2011 1:11 AM
doesnt matter whether you're in slovenia or in taiwan, you're still my big tai lou!! :)
you're adventure is one hell of an experience and im sure you're enjoying it to the bits.
February 21, 2011 3:12 AM
Gosh this must be a big step for you.. and perhaps your subconscious knows this and starts by reacting with a runny nose! But I'm sure things will be fine soon.. have fun and take lots of care ok!
February 21, 2011 12:03 PM
all I can say is that, Lily is a lucky woman :) If only a guy would move mountains for me... :)
dont worry, it's just a phase, I'm sure the blues will go away soon enough :)
February 21, 2011 1:24 PM
@actionjojo: Thank you for your nice words. You are so right. I guess I need time.
@Traveling Hawk: Thank you.
@procne: Thank you for commenting and your supportive words.
@Stefanie: Thank you ;)
@Sabrina: Thanks, I hope so :)
@Netster: Is not nosebleed, hehe.. I'll be fine :)
@kristieinbc: Thank you. I think I'll be fine adapting to my new environment, it's just a question, whether this move was good for my life that bugs me. But I will know the answer to this in few years.
@keiko amano: Good idea, but I think I'm not brave enough to approach random people. :)
@lizzy: Thanks. I try to make the best of it :)
@iamthewitch: I think it's my subconscious, yes. But I think I will be fine.
@Sharon: Thanks, I hope so :)
February 21, 2011 11:35 PM
Post a Kafkaesque comment!